WallStSmart

Cato Corporation (CATO)vsLululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lululemon Athletica Inc. generates 1611% more annual revenue ($11.20B vs $654.67M). LULU leads profitability with a 13.0% profit margin vs 0.0%. LULU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. LULU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

CATO

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 3.5Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.99

LULU

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 9.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.12
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CATOUndervalued (+76.6%)

Margin of Safety

+76.6%

Fair Value

$12.93

Current Price

$3.18

$9.75 discount

UndervaluedFair: $12.93Overvalued
LULUUndervalued (+70.7%)

Margin of Safety

+70.7%

Fair Value

$600.18

Current Price

$114.23

$485.95 discount

UndervaluedFair: $600.18Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CATO2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
181.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 181.7% YoY

LULU5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CATO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.5%4/10

0.5% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.994/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$65.47M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

LULU3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-35.0%2/10

Earnings declined 35.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CATO

The strongest argument for CATO centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LULU

The strongest argument for LULU centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CATO

The primary concerns for CATO are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Thin 0.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : LULU

The primary concerns for LULU are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LULU carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.

LULU is growing revenue faster at 4.3% — sustainability is the question.

LULU generates stronger free cash flow (87M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor APPAREL RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LULU scores higher overall (64/100 vs 57/100). CATO offers better value entry with a 76.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Cato Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

The Cato Corporation is a specialty clothing and fashion accessories retailer primarily in the southeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lululemon Athletica Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

lululemon athletica inc. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Visit Website →

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